Care Kits Version 2.0

A while back I decided I was going to make care kits to keep in my car so I have something to give out to the homeless when I pass, rather than tossing some pocket change that generally wouldn't even buy a bus fare. So I had set out to Costco and the dollar store in search of "the right things" to fill my bags. The first kits turned out okay, though I was greatly overwhelmed by my want to give everything that someone might need and the realistic capacity of a gallon size bag. I crammed in a toothbrush and toothpaste, soap and a washcloth, snacks, bandaids, and the most appreciated item, a new pair of socks. A couple weeks ago I gave away my last kit, so once again it was off to Costco, this time with a little more focus. I knew that this time my packs were going to be centered around warmth - what can I provide that will help keep people warm and dry and provide basic needs? This is what I came up with. 

1 pair of mittens

1 pair of socks

2 pairs of hand warmers

2 protein bars

2 garbage bags (for water proofing belongings)

chapstick

1 pack of gum

1 fruit cup

1 water bottle

1 pack of kleenex

1 mini first aid kit

I have to say, I'm REALLY excited about these ones, and the first morning I had them done I ended up with the opportunity to give one away. Boy, was he ever excited! "I just hit the jackpot! This is AWESOME!" I can't tell you how special it is to see someone light up like that man did. I only wish I had already put in the little notes of encouragement. There is so much value in knowing that someone out there has compassion for you and there is such great reward in reaching out and sharing your compassion with others. 

Okay, Okay. Sooo maybe you're wondering what this cost me.... all in all I ended up spending about $120 to make 12 kits, with some supplies left over. that puts each kit at $10 which honestly is really not that bad considering what you're getting out of it (or in this case giving). All in all, I'd have to say that this round was much more successful than the last. Now I just need to figure out a way to get more people involved. I'd love to be able to make 20 or 30 kits and drop half of them off at a local outreach program, but perhaps I should take a few of these ones over, since I never feel like I get rid of them as quickly as I'd like. That could be next step. :)

anyone want a margarita cupcake?

Work has been going really well for me. Last month I found out I am in charge of a company objective - the objective that involves all the "fun" company activities. Yup, I'm the leader of the fun committee. Part of me wonders if I didn't totally set myself up for this, but either way I'm not complaining. As much of a hassle or stress that planning events can be, its something I really enjoy. I'm a huge fan of the finished product. which brings us these lovely cupcakes!

Lime cupcakes with a tequila and lime buttercream frosting.. mmm the frosting was amazing!!! I served these as dessert at our company's "Taco Tuesday"

the cupcake was super easy, I cheated on these (I'll admit it) so it was just a box of your favorite cake mix, substitute 1/2 the water for tequila, and add the zest of two limes. The buttercream frosting on made on the fly- some butter, a little vegetable shortening, powdered sugar, some tequila, some zested lime, and the juice of the two limes I zested earlier. it was all done to taste... I found myself multiple times in the living room asking my roommate "do you get a little hint of tequila yet?.... how 'bout now??" but as they say hard work pays off. Everyone loved them and seemed to get a kick out of the boozy  little guys. ta da!

Starbucks Art Show

Right before my birthday I finally decided that I was going to look into showing some of the wax work that I've done over the last year or so and started off with an E-mail to this lady that organizes the U-District Artwalks. I sent her a couple samples of the work I wanted to display and she immediately responded, offering me a spot at the Starbucks down the street from my house. HOW AWESOME IS THAT!?! I was completely stoked. September was a really good month for me. It was so rewarding to see all of the time that I had put into these pieces finally pay off. There was such an excellent response to my work and I even sold one by the end of the month.

 When it finally came time for take down in mid October, I messaged Gail to confirm a good time and on the spot, she extended Starbucks wall space to me for another month. I had plenty of other pieces to choose from but ended up making 5 new ones within that week to have something that, to me, seemed more cohesive. That was one of the most stressful weeks, my car had broken down finally when my coolant system decided to malfunction, I had new paintings to complete and install and I was trying to figure out a way to and from work, but all the crazy ended REALLY well.

A Milestone.

I turned 21  back in September! 

Figure it's something worth mentioning since this opens up a whole new world of cooking for me. HelllllllloOo wine poached pears and fish and drunken cupcakes (this month's work cupcakes are gonna be Margarita Cupcakes for our Taco Party, I promise I'll report back!) oh the possibilities are endless... 

Here, Have a Cupcake.

First off I owe you a cupcake post. I'm pretty sure that you haven't seen the carrot cake cupcakes I made and frankly, I think they turned out rather adorable.

Plus who can deny carrot cake and cream cheese frosting?!

I just used one of my basic carrot cake recipes and whipped up a quick batch of tasty cream cheese frosting.... the kicker on this project was those little carrots you see....I made each of them and let me tell you.

2 candy carrots per cupcake X 48 cupcakes = a lot of time - a lot of sanity... Never again. not for carrot cake... next time the smashed chocolate cookie topping will be enough. 

New Resolution

#1 Yes, I know it's November.

#2 No I haven't entirely abandoned this blog, yet.... It still crosses my mind and I still have the intention of using it (on a more regular basis). 

With that said... I honestly can't remember the last time I made a post and the list of everything that has happened between that time and now seems astronomical. There have been dozens of cupcakes made, a Halloween party thrown, new projects at work, MAJOR car problems, the flu, art shows (and sales!), tote bags, silk screening, new workout routines,  and I even brought home my old VHS/DVD player (which was probably a mistake). I will be trying to elaborate on some of those a bit more over the next few weeks but the main point of this to state one my new goals.

To post something at least once a week for.  

Ta da!

My OH My.... it's July...

not only is it July... it mid-July.... this is going to be a super short post tonight but I need to do something here! It's been so neglected.

I've got a lot to update on... some really fun projects and cute pictures.....

chalkboards
cupcakes
fabric dye
new art

so much to come! I promise.